Nepal bars release of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s film ‘Udta Teer’

Kathmandu, October 20, 2026 — Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications has denied permission for the public screening of the Bollywood film Udta Teer, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, citing provisions of the country’s Film (Production, Exhibition and Distribution) Act, 2026.

In a letter to National Cine Group, the film’s distributor in Nepal, the ministry said the film contains content prohibited under Section 8(3) of the Act. The film had been scheduled for release on Friday.

The Central Film Censor Board reportedly blocked the release because the film’s storyline is said to touch on tensions between India and Pakistan.

Film writer and critic Samipyaraj Timilsina said Nepal’s legal framework allows authorities to restrict films that could harm the image of another country or directly affect its national identity or communities. He noted that both India and Pakistan are friendly countries to Nepal.

Section 8(3) states that the censor committee cannot authorize a film if it or any part of it appears likely to harm Nepal’s security, peace and order, relations with friendly countries, or relations among different social or ethnic groups.

Timilsina said the board had relied on this provision to deny permission for Udta Teer. However, he also cautioned that repeatedly banning films about conflict and revenge between countries could create further complications. He said authorities should consider a film’s subject matter and sensitivity when deciding whether to allow its release.

He also cited earlier disputes over the screening of the films Alpha and Bantwara.

The Act also allows the censor committee to approve a film after cuts or modifications if the changes make it compliant with the relevant provision.

Udta Teer is a spy comedy directed by Aakash Kaushik, making it his first feature film. It is produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment.